Former Deputy Minister Calls for Unified Anti-Bullying Standards Across Malaysian Schools

P Kamalanathan has urged Malaysian schools and educational institutions to adopt uniform standard operating procedures for handling bullying incidents, arguing that consistency across the sector is essential for student protection.

The former deputy minister has suggested a structured timeline for tackling bullying complaints, with institutions required to respond to initial reports within 24 hours. Following this acknowledgment, investigations should be completed within seven days, with remedial action implemented within a 14-day window.

The proposal comes as concerns about bullying in Malaysian schools persist, with education authorities facing criticism over inconsistent handling of complaints. Kamalanathan's recommendations aim to establish clear accountability measures and faster resolution processes that would give students and parents confidence in the system.

Currently, anti-bullying protocols vary significantly between schools, leading to disparities in how complaints are processed and resolved. Standardized procedures would ensure all students receive equal protection regardless of which institution they attend, proponents of the plan argue.

The proposal is expected to be considered by the education ministry as it reviews current policies on student safety and institutional discipline.